E350 transmission range sensor
 

having a shifting problem with my 2005 E350 passenger van - not extended (124K miles)
when driving at 60-65 mph it would drop out of OD and into top gear and the revs would go up.
after a while the check engine light came on and it presented codes 705 and 705pd.(transmission range sensor).
fluid level is fine and clean on the dipstick.
i bought a switch on line and installed it and reset the codes - same results.
i initially set adjustment in the middle, then all the way one way then all the way the other way with the results the same except now it will also downshift in the lower ranges sometimes.
my questions are
1 - do you think i got a bad switch? (it was only $35)
2 - how critical is the adjustment of these switches?
i have the Ford factory manual and it talks about some special adjustment tool but all the websites say to look for start in park and neutral, plus check for backup lights. all these work fine.
any suggestions?
thanks
bucko

The adjustment of the range selector switch is a critical adjustment and that is why they use the special tool. The inside of the range switch contains several resistors that provide input to the PCM and TCM. The fact that you received a code for the switch could ,,,,,,,,,, be the switch or a possible wiring problem in a circuit where the switch is involved. Have found best results were obtained with OEM parts from Motorcraft/Ford.

Thanks hanky,
i will pick up a Ford part this week and install.
i was talking to the dealer parts dept and the sensor is in stock but they do not sell the adjustment tool.
i'll let you know how it works out.

still having shifting problems. always when on the highway and the van goes from OD to non OD at speeds over 60 mph then back to OD again.
i did as you recommended and installed a genuine Ford part.
it was still acting up.
i then ordered the adjustment tool and used it to fine tune the switch adjustment.
it is still shifting out of OD at highway speeds.
mechanically the transmission seems strong.
is there another electrical connection i should be looking at?
thanks Andy